Indian T20 World Cup Squad: Kohli's Improved Strike Rate Secures Selection
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Indian T20 World Cup Squad: Expert Analysis
With less than a week to go until the Indian team for the T20 World Cup is selected, it is unlikely that there will be any major surprises. Virat Kohli, as expected, is set to be picked in the 15-member squad despite ongoing debates over his scoring rates, particularly against spin in the post-PowerPlay phase.
However, it is important to note that Kohli has been scoring at an improved strike rate of 150 this season and over 152 in the PowerPlays. While this strike rate may not be ideal for an opener, given the frequency at which 220-plus totals are being piled up by teams in IPL 2024, it is worth noting that Kohli's strike-rate numbers post six overs (148.85) and against spin with the field spread (143.84) have also witnessed an increase.
Kohli has managed to combine increased speed with consistency, as evidenced by the fact that he is still the holder of the Orange Cap (379 runs in 8 games). There is no doubt that he will be selected for the World Cup squad.
As recently reported by Cricbuzz, an international return for Rishabh Pant is imminent. However, the choice of the second 'keeper could come down to a toss-up between potential contenders KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. There is very little to differentiate between the two in terms of performance in this IPL - 286 and 276 runs respectively in seven games. However, both of them play at the top of the order, where India are sufficiently stocked.
Dinesh Karthik (251 @196.08 in 8 games) has expressed his willingness to step in if needed, and it will be interesting to see how seriously the selectors take his readiness into consideration.
Among batters, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh are in contention along with Rohit, Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill may also get the nod.
Among the bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah is the obvious first choice, and he may have the company of Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh for the new ball. There is also a lookout for another pacer.
Kuldeep Yadav will be the lone specialist spinner complementing the spin-bowling all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya could be the fast-bowling all-rounder.
The Indian team's brain trust wants to tread a cautious path with regard to the newcomers like Riyan Parag (318 runs @ 161.42 in 7 games -- No 2 among the Indian run-getters and third overall) and Abhishek Sharma (256 runs @ 215.96 in 7 games). The thinking is to try them in the bilateral series first.
The selection meeting is expected to take place around April 28-29. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who is expected to attend the meeting, will be in New Delhi on April 27, for the match against Delhi Capitals. The World Cup will be held in the US and the West Indies from June 2 to 29.